588 



LARID^E. 



in size, it will probably be this species, provided that it 

 have a grey and not a black back. In the latter case it 

 may either be the Great or Lesser Black-backed Gull. 



The Herring Gull is a large and powerful bird, 

 thoroughly competent to dispose of a herring or even a 

 more bulky fish. It is common on most parts of the 

 British coast, and remains with us all the year, building 



THE HERRINO GULL. v 



its nest on steep cliffs, or rocky islands. In the south of 

 England it is very abundant, and is more frequently seen 

 inland, in newly-ploughed fields, than any other species. 

 Like the other Gulls, it may easily be tamed if taken 

 young ; and, when kept in a garden, earns its mainte- 

 nance by keeping down slugs and other vermin. 



